Stem Cells Therapies in Basic Science and Translational Medicine: Current Status and Treatment Monitoring Strategies

Chaitali      Banerjee

doi:10.2174/138920111795164002

Abstract

Stem-cell technology is a major area within cell therapy that promises significant therapeutic outcome. The plasticity and self-renewal capabilities of stem cells make them valuable tools for potential application in regenerative medicine and tissue replacement following injury or disease. Here, we discuss the different types of stem cells currently used in research, preclinical and early clinical development, their potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications, and current barriers to translating basic research into clinical therapies. Biomedical imaging is increasingly being used to monitor the fate of transplanted stem cells, including their survival, proliferation, differentiation and homing to targeted organs and tissues. We discuss different imaging modalities currently utilized to track stem calls, the advantages and challenges, and future implications in clinical applications.

Keywords: Stem cells, cell therapy, biomarkers, biomedical imaging, molecular imaging, Treatment Monitoring Strategies, plasticity and self-renewal capabilities, tissue replacement, fate of transplanted stem cells, recombinant proteins, genetic engineering, gene therapy, imaging and cell tracking, totipotent Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs), ESC technology